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TLRSD: Why pour wastewater into Rattlesnake Creek?

I have sent e-mails to GRW, the new engineering firm for Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District's Phase III and Phase IIIB, asking about certain aspects of the projects. After my initial contact with the vice president, Mr. Greg Wright, at the Indianapolis office, I was directed to the man in charge, a Mr. Matt Whitaker.

I expressed my concerns about the plan to pour wastewater into the Rattlesnake Creek instead of back into the Twin Lakes. I pointedly asked about environmental impact studies and asked how the decision was arrived at to divert the sewage to a plant located so far away from the lakes. All of these questions have so far gone unanswered.

I now call on the sewage board to answer these questions publicly. Give us the science and economics behind this plan. This board is only a public servant, and as such, must present solid reasons for such long-term, farreaching decisions. The attitude that it is the board's decision, and is as such the final answer, is no longer acceptable.

I've got a few more questions. What is the failure rate of this system? How many spills have occurred? How long do the grinders function without breakdown? Shall I go on?

Gregory R. Smith

Jefferson Township

Ives supports Burns

I support Tony Burns in the race for sheriff of Carroll County. Eighteen years ago when Tony was a young police officer and I was a young prosecutor, we spent many hours talking about police work and the criminal law of Indiana. Tony strives to do a better job and is always ready to consider a better way.

Tony Burns has never sought the spotlight. He has never been one to blow his own horn. However, for more than twenty years he has worked diligently to make Carroll County a safer place.

The sheriff of Carroll County may well hold our county's most important elected position. The sheriff is responsible for the largest, most active police department in the county. The vast majority of major felony cases are investigated by the sheriff's department.

In addition, the sheriff must administer a jail, which now generally holds thirty or more prisoners. The sheriff's department also must handle many civil duties, such as serving summons, enforcing orders and selling property at foreclosure.

Therefore, our sheriff has immense responsibilities. The position should be entrusted only to those of the highest integrity. Tony Burns is meticulous in his organization. He is intelligent and hardworking. His character is impeccable. He is dependable, thoughtful and polite. However, he is also tough and forceful when necessary. His honesty is beyond reproach. He never panics in a crisis.

To know Tony Burns is to admire Tony Burns. He will do an excellent job as sheriff of Carroll County. Please join me in supporting him.

Rob Ives

Flora